Applying for Aid

More than 80% of UNI students receive some form of financial aid. Follow these easy steps to apply for financial aid.

Know Your PINPrior to completing a FAFSA for the first time students and their parents will need to apply for a Federal PIN by visiting www.pin.ed.gov. Your PIN will be used each year when filing the FAFSA, in addition to serving many other federal aid related functions.

In the event that the PIN is forgotten or lost, users may "Request a Duplicate PIN" at www.pin.ed.gov.

File your FAFSAThe Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) can be filed beginning January 1 of each year. Visit www.fafsa.gov to apply. The FAFSA is a FREE application. If you need any assistance in completing the FAFSA please contact our office to discuss questions or schedule an appointment. The FAFSA should be completed for each year that you would like to receive financial aid.

After filing your FAFSA, you will receive a Student Aid Report (SAR), listing the information from your FAFSA. Your SAR also lists your Expected Family Contribution (EFC), which is used to determine your eligibility for need based aid. Please review your SAR for accuracy and make any necessary corrections online. If your family's financial situation changes after you submit your FAFSA, you may request a review of your eligibility by contacting the Office of Student Financial Aid.

Search for ScholarshipsThe UNI Scholarship Application (USA)is available beginning each September, allowing students to apply for scholarships to be awarded in the upcoming academic year. Prospective students should apply for hometown scholarships through their high school and/or community.

Check MyUNIverse and UNI EmailCorrespondence related to your financial aid award notification will be conducted via your UNI email account and MyUNIverse. Incoming students will receive postcard reminders related to the awarding and verification process in addition to UNI email and MyUNIverse. Verification and other “To-Do” items will be listed within the “Student Center” within MyUNIverse if requested. All requested documentation will need to be submitted prior to an award notification being created.

Evaluate and Accept Your AwardOnce you have been awarded your financial aid, you will receive an email notifying you of the availability of your Financial Aid Award. Both new students and current students can view the award as detailed below.

All award notifications will be available under the “Finances” section of the “Student Center” (found within MyUNIverse). Your award notification will indicate your available financial aid for the entire academic year (fall and Spring semesters). Offered awards are contingent upon full-time enrollment (i.e., 12 credits for undergraduates and 9 credits for graduates) and are based on your academic level, estimated cost of attendance, need, and application completion date. Changes in enrollment could have an impact on your available financial aid. Please contact the Office of Student Financial Aid for additional details.

Grants and scholarships are automatically accepted for students. Students must accept, reduce, or decline loans (student and parent loans) and any work study offered. Click here for more details about your Financial Aid Award.